God is preparing the way

Today has been a buzz of activity in our household.  Many changes are coming down our path...some we really would rather not encounter because change of this size is never easy.  Sounds ominous, right?  Change is never easy, simple and true.  However, change is always inevitable in life.  I wish I did not have to embrace that statement.  It would be much more comfortable to just be content with where I am -  watch my boys grown into wonderful young men, enjoy my marriage and take care of my home and all the things that come with everyday life...church, grocery shopping, lunch with friends, vacations.  You get the idea.  Life just doesn't hand anyone that pretty bouquet of flowers though!  At least not if they are being real and they are growing in their walk with Christ. 

I'm 40 years old and each year of my life has brought about many changes.  This year will be no different.  I will embrace a new area of my career, I will once again pack up my 20+ years of accumulated items and move my family into another home and I will find a new way to love people, forgive and let go of hurts that Satan would rather I hold onto.

The Bible would call this growing in my faith.  Yes, tests are going to come and I have had my share of them - I realize this.  Looking back, I honestly can say that I would not have had it any other way -- on most everything I have experienced - to get to where I am now.  Just a few seasons I really would have rather skipped over, but most everything...I'm certain it took that amount of painful growing/seasoning me to handle what God would have in store for my today.

For the last couple of years I have found myself asking God to please stop sending me these seasons and trials...please stop these painful emotional struggles, stop the tears and just let me enjoy what I have been given.  However, God is choosing to allow this season and it may take a while for me to fully understand why...if ever.  My prayer today is that I will be grateful for the potter not removing his hands.  I want to be thankful that He is never done with me.  That each day He can shape me into what He alone intends for me, that is a blessing!  Nothing is harder to accept.  By His Grace alone am I given another chance.  I may have to endure hardships to fully be restored.  This is my prayer today.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

 Love & Hugs,

JJ

Back to the basics

After about a 2 year hiatus, I'm back to blogging...not sure how long I'll stay, but for now, it feels right.  Facebook made me a tad too insecure and just a little too narcissistic for my own good!  I'll probably get back to FB at some point because it's a wonderful way to  keep up with my school mates and family in GA and others that I do not have the opportunity to see in person that often.  I have missed the days of putting my thoughts into a journal and since I type faster and there's spellcheck here, well, it's where I've landed for now.

I heard a song on the radio tonight in my truck on the way home by Point of Grace.  I had to pull over for weeping so hard I couldn't see to drive.  Boy, I've missed hearing them on the radio!  Anyway, it was called "Nothing is Greater Than Grace".  Wow!  That hit home for me in so many ways...especially on the journey I am currently on.  Thus, my blog title.  Even though nothing may be greater than grace, I am better by grace!!  Amen?!!  I thought I would post the lyrics because it finds me right where I am today.  Maybe it will find you right where you are too.

Love & Hugs,
JJ

What do you say to someone who feels like they've lost it all
over the edge with no one there to break their fall
and what do you say to someone who feels so unloved
giving themselves away a little bit everyday just to be good enough
and what do you say to a hopeless soul who can't remember their way home
and everything is out of their control

CHORUS
There is no valley, there is no darkness
there is no sorrow greater than the grace of Jesus.
There is no moment, there is no distance,
there is no heartbreak He can't see you through.
So before you think that you're too lost to save,
Remember there is nothing greater than grace.

What do you say to someone whose life is on the line
and their unsure what happens after their last breath in time
what do you say to someone whose built a wall you can't break through

and it's so hard for them to hear the truth

So don't lose hope, don't let go
don't give up, you are not alone

There is no valley, there is no darkness
there is no sorrow greater than the grace of Jesus.
There is no moment, there is no distance
there is no heartbreak He can't see you through.
So before you think that you're too lost to save
so before you think that you're too lost to save
Remember there is nothing greater than grace